In February 2000, Prevnar was licensed for use among infants and
young children. CDC recommends this vaccine for all children <2 years
of age and children 2-5 years of age who are at increased risk for
pneumococcal disease. In August 2001, deliveries of Prevnar were
delayed resulting in shortages for some healthcare providers and health
departments.

Synopsis for September 14, 2001

Echovirus Type 13  United States, 2001

Echovirus 13 is being reported in the United States.

PRESS CONTACT:
Office of Communication

CDC Media Relations Division(404) 6393286

This report summarizes current echovirus activity in the United States.
Among the approximately 45,000 enterovirus isolates reported to CDC during
the 1970-2000, echovirus 13 accounted for only 65 isolates, and no
associated outbreaks have ever been reported in the United States. Since
June 2001, eight state public health laboratories and one private
laboratory have reported an increased number of echovirus 13 isolates to
CDC. As of August 14th, these nine labs reported 76 such isolates to CDC.
Aseptic meningitis is the predominant illness that has been associated
with the current echovirus 13 activity in the US and the echovirus 13
activity reported in Europe in 2000.

Influence of Homicide on Racial Disparity in Life Expectancy  United
States, 1998

Homicide is a major contributor to the racial
disparity in life expectancy and, therefore, should be included among
targeted prevention efforts.

PRESS CONTACT:
Office of Communication

CDC Media Relations Division(404) 6393286

The findings in this report confirm that there are continuing disparities
in the life expectancy of blacks as shown by their overall loss of more
than 6 years of life compared with whites. The disparity is largely
attributable to black males having greater life expectancy differentials
for each single cause of death examined; except suicide. The findings in
this report also indicate that heart disease followed by cancer were the
leading contributors to the life expectancy gap between blacks and whites.
This is not surprising, since heart disease and cancer were the two
leading causes of death for all Americans in 1998. However, homicide,
which ranked 13th among the leading causes of death in 1998, was the third
largest contributor to the overall life expectancy gap between these two
groups. Homicide accounted for <1 percent of total deaths, but nearly
10 percent of the life expectancy gap between whites and blacks.